A passenger train has collided with a commercial vehicle in Grange-over-Sands.
The incident happened earlier today on the Holme Island level-crossing on Meathop Road, near the Grange-over-Sands golf course.
All 150 passengers who were travelling on the affected train, the 11.51am Northern train from Barrow to Preston, are uninjured.
British Transport Police have now confirmed that the vehicle crossed the tracks while the train was approaching, which caused the train to strike the back of the vehicle.
The vehicle then drove away from the scene.
A spokesman for the British Transport Police said the incident could have been a lot worse and that it was ‘sheer luck’ that nobody had been injured.
The organisation is now working to trace the driver of the vehicle and is asking for witnesses to come forward.
Police, fire and ambulance services also attended the scene.
On social media, a spokesman for South Lakes Police said: “Today the three emergency services all worked together due to a train striking a vehicle and trailer near Meathop golf course.
“Thankfully there are no reported injuries but it did use up a lot of resources and left over 150 passengers rather annoyed.
“Unfortunately it now transpires that Network Rail have discovered a sinkhole so the line may be closed for a bit longer.
“All passengers have been transferred onto another train.”
Network Rail have since confirmed they have found a borehole on the line, unrelated to the collision, that is expected to cause disruption over the next few days.
A Network Rail spokesperson said: “We’re sorry for the disruption to people’s journeys in the South Lakes today. Earlier this afternoon a Northern train struck the rear of a vehicle at a level crossing near Grange-over-Sands.
“There we no injuries, the driver and all passengers were safely evacuated, and the damaged train has returned to its depot for repairs.
“While on site, our engineers have found an issue with the track bed, unrelated to the collision. While we continue to investigate this issue a rail replacement bus service will be in operation for journeys between Barrow to Preston and Oxenholme to Windermere, most likely for the rest of the evening.
“For journeys between Preston and Lancaster, ticket acceptance is in place on Transpennine Express and Avanti trains”
Passengers are urged to check before they travel. Some rail replacement services are in place.
Witnesses are asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016 quoting log 308 of 01/03/2025.
